Full vs. Double Bed Size: Key Differences + Size Comparison Guide

Key Takeaways

• Double and full beds are the same size. They both measure 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. 
• "Full" and "double" are interchangeable terms for the same bed size, but most mattress and bedding brands today use the term “full” rather than “double.” 
• While a full bed can fit two sleepers, it may not be the most comfortable long-term. Couples often prefer a queen or king size for more space.

Are you thinking about upgrading to a new mattress but find yourself confused about the differences between a double bed vs. full one? The short answer is that double beds and full mattresses are one and the same. 

Both terms are used interchangeably and refer to a mattress that measures 54-by-75 inches. Still, it’s important to weigh the differences between a full bed and other standard sizes before purchasing a new mattress. Let’s dive into who a double bed is best suited for to determine if it’s right for you.

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What Is a Double Bed?

Dimensions: 54-by-75 inches

A double mattress is a bed that measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.

Before king and queen size beds were introduced to the market in the 1950s, there were only two standard mattress sizes: single beds and double beds. Their names came from the number of sleepers the mattresses could accommodate. The terms "single" and "double" were eventually replaced with "twin" and "full" as furniture makers began to standardize their bed sizes.

Despite their name, double beds are not twice the size of a twin bed. For reference, twin beds measure 38-by-75 inches while double beds measure 54-by-75 inches. This means that double beds are only 16 inches wider than twin beds.

What Is a Full Size Mattress?

Dimensions: 54-by-75 inches

A full size mattress is another name for a double mattress. All full size mattresses measure the same length and width as double mattresses, clocking in at 54-by-75 inches. So, who is a double or full bed best for? This mattress size works best for single sleepers. 

Pros and Cons of a Double Bed 

While the terms are interchangeable, understanding the dimensions and features of a full or double bed is crucial for determining if it's the right fit for your needs. Let's explore some pros and cons of a full bed to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Minimal  bedroom space required. The minimum required bedroom size for a double bed is roughly 9-by-10 feet. In comparison, queen size beds work best in rooms that are at least 10-by-10 feet, while king size beds need 12-by-10 feet. Double beds are great for those with limited space in their bedrooms. 
• Often more affordable than a queen or king size mattress. Requiring fewer materials to make, double beds are often less expensive than bigger beds. As such, this type of bed is often selected by young adults who are just getting the hang of living independently. 
• Adequate space for active sleepers. Unlike twin mattresses, which don't provide much room for average adult sleepers to move around, double or full beds offer enough extra space for a single sleeper to stretch and move.
• Readily available bedding accessories. As one of the most popular mattress sizes on the market, it's very easy to find bedding sets, mattress toppers, and the like for double beds. 

Cons

• Not suitable for couples. Don't let the name "double" fool you. Most couples will find the sleep surface of a double bed too narrow to accommodate two people comfortably. Oftentimes, one or both partners will have to sacrifice their preferred sleep position to make a double bed work. 
• Typically too small for taller sleepers. Double beds measure 75 inches or 6.25 feet long. Tall people over 6'2" may find double beds cramped, forcing them to dangle their legs over the edge or cramped in the fetal position. 

Double Beds vs. Other Standard Mattress Sizes

Wondering how double beds compare to other popular bed sizes? Here's a quick guide for you:

Double Bed vs. Twin Size Bed

Twin beds measure 38-by-75 inches, while double beds measure 54-by-75 inches. This makes twin beds 16 inches narrower than double beds but of the same length.

Twin beds are recommended for kids, teens, and petite adults, while full beds are best for single adult sleepers.

Double Bed vs. Twin XL Size Bed

Twin XL beds measure 38-by-80 inches. With an extra 5 inches in length, twin XL beds are designed to accommodate tall sleepers, though they measure 16 inches narrower than double beds. Twin XL beds are also popular in college dorms, as their narrow size makes them an excellent choice for bunk beds in small bedrooms.

If you’re between a twin XL and full bed, consider how much space you have and your height. A twin XL fits better in a narrow room and provides more legroom, but a full bed lets you spread out more comfortably.

Double Bed vs. Queen Size Bed

Queen beds measure 60-by-80 inches. In comparison to a full, queen beds are only 6 inches wider, but this extra sleeping space makes this bed one of the most popular choices for couples. The extra 5 inches of length also give sleepers additional leg space and a bit more room to claim some personal space on their side of the bed. 

Double Bed vs. King Size Bed

King beds measure 76-by-80 inches. They're a full 22 inches wider and 5 inches longer than double beds. As such, king size beds provide ample space for any sleeping position. 

The biggest drawback to a king size bed is the amount of floor space it occupies. You'll need a bedroom that is at least 12-by-12 feet in size to comfortably fit a king size bed.

Considerations for Deciding Between a Double Bed vs. Other Bed Sizes

For every type of mattress, consider the following factors before hitting the shops:

Room Size

Your bedroom should correspond  with the minimum required room size for the mattress you want. Otherwise, your mattress will occupy the majority of your room’s floor space, requiring little room to walk around and store other furniture. 

Your Sleep Preferences

Do you toss and turn at night? Do you sleep splayed out like a starfish? Do you prefer cuddling or other popular couples sleeping positions? All the answers to these questions determine what size of bed you should get. 

If you're an active and/or hot sleeper who needs a lot of space to move around, a larger bed is best. If you sleep like a log and/or enjoy cuddling with a partner, full or double bed may best suit you.

Price

As mentioned, the bigger the bed, the more expensive it will be. Consider how much money you're willing to set aside to pay for a new mattress first, then work your way backward to determine what size of bed you can get.

Number Of Occupants

Are you a single sleeper or do you have a partner(s) you wish to share your bed with? This will help you decide whether getting a bigger bed is worth the extra price. 

Future Needs

Thinking about the future can help you decide what bed size is best for you now. Will you be moving in the near future? Will you need to downsize or upgrade at that point? Keeping in mind how often you need to replace the mattress and how long you plan to keep it will help you decide which size is right for you.

Which Bed Size Is the Best for You?

The bed size you should get depends on several factors, including your sleep preferences, budget, room size, and the number of sleepers who will use it. The truth is, there is no perfect one-size-fits-all bed size. But with a little bit of research, you'll be well on your way to finding the best bed to fit your unique needs. 

Whether you're looking for a double bed (or full as it’s otherwise known) or a king, Purple has you covered. We offer a range of bed sizes, from twin to California king, and a variety of firmness levels, from plush to firm.

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Purple mattresses provide targeted, adaptive support and are available in all standard mattress sizes.

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